Server device, system, control method for server device, and program

Abstract

Provided is a server device which makes it possible to understand the behavior of a user. The server device includes a storage means, a behavior history control means, and an information provision control means. The storage means comprises a database that stores the medium ID of a medium distributed to each of a plurality of users in association with each piece of attribute information about a plurality of users. The behavior history control means receives use notification including a medium ID of a medium user who uses a medium in an authentication terminal and use details of the medium, and uses the medium ID of a medium user to identify the medium user among the plurality of users. The behavior history control means stores, in the database, behavior information acquired from the use details of the medium as a behavior history of the identified medium user. The information provision control means uses the attribute information and behavior history stored in the database to generate provision information and outputs the generated provision information.

Description

Server device, system, server device control method and storage medium

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a system, a method for controlling a server device, and a storage medium.

[0002] There is technology that supports the travel of foreigners (foreign visitors) coming to Japan from overseas.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes promoting the use of IC cards by travelers from overseas. The traveler support device in Patent Document 1 is a device for use in a service that lends IC cards that can be used domestically to users who are interested in entering Japan from overseas or who are already in Japan. The traveler support device includes a communication processing unit, a user registration processing unit, a user request processing unit, and a user information storage unit. The user registration processing unit executes a predetermined user registration process. The user request processing unit executes appropriate processing in response to a predetermined processing request from the user. The user information storage unit stores information related to the user. When the communication processing unit receives a reservation request for the IC card lending service from a user terminal, the user request processing unit executes a predetermined request acceptance process.

[0004] JP 2019-121200 A

[0005] Information on the behavior of foreign visitors to Japan, especially inbound passengers, is important for airport operators and businesses operating in the airport vicinity. However, currently, airport operators and businesses operating in the vicinity have no way to accurately grasp the types of tourist spots preferred by foreign visitors. In other words, if these businesses could understand the behavior of foreign visitors to Japan, they could tailor their business activities to the preferences of foreign visitors based on that information, but currently no such system has been established.

[0006] It should be noted that even if the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied, it is not possible to grasp the behavior of foreign visitors to Japan, because Patent Document 1 only discloses a technology to support the travel of foreign visitors to Japan.

[0007] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a server device, a system, a method for controlling a server device, and a storage medium that contribute to making it possible to grasp user behavior.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a server device is provided which comprises: a storage means having a database which stores the media ID of media distributed to each of a plurality of users in correspondence with the attribute information of each of the plurality of users; a behavior history control means which receives a usage notification including the media ID of a media user who uses the media and the usage content of the media at an authentication terminal, identifies the media user from among the plurality of users using the media user's media ID, and stores behavior information obtained from the usage content of the media in the database as the behavior history of the identified media user; and an information provision control means which generates provision information using the attribute information and behavior history stored in the database and outputs the generated provision information.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a system is provided which includes an authentication terminal and a server device, the server device having a storage means which has a database that stores, in correspondence with each other, the media ID of a medium distributed to each of a plurality of users and attribute information for each of the plurality of users; a behavior history control means which receives a usage notification at the authentication terminal which includes the media ID of a medium user who uses the medium and the usage content of the medium, identifies the medium user from among the plurality of users using the media user's media ID, and stores behavior information obtained from the usage content of the medium in the database as the behavior history of the identified media user; and an information provision control means which generates provision information using the attribute information and behavior history stored in the database and outputs the generated provision information.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a control method for a server device is provided, which includes: in a server device, a media ID of a medium distributed to each of a plurality of users is associated with attribute information of each of the plurality of users and stored in a database; an authentication terminal receives a usage notification including the media ID of a media user using the medium and the usage details of the medium; identifying the media user from among the plurality of users using the media ID of the media user; storing behavioral information obtained from the usage details of the medium in the database as the behavioral history of the identified media user; generating provided information using the attribute information and behavioral history stored in the database; and outputting the generated provided information.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a program for causing a computer mounted on a server device to execute the following processes: a process of correlating the media ID of a medium distributed to each of a plurality of users with the attribute information of each of the plurality of users and storing the associated information in a database; a process of receiving a usage notification at an authentication terminal, the usage notification including the media ID of a media user who uses the medium and the usage details of the medium, identifying the media user from among the plurality of users using the media user's media ID, and storing behavioral information obtained from the usage details of the medium in the database as the behavioral history of the identified media user; and a process of generating provided information using the attribute information and behavioral history stored in the database and outputting the generated provided information.

[0012] According to each aspect of the present invention, a server device, a system, a method for controlling a server device, and a storage medium are provided that contribute to making it possible to understand user behavior. Note that the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above. The present invention may achieve other effects instead of or in addition to the effects described above.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of an operation of an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a behavior history management database according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an information provision control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an information provision control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an information provision control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device according to the present disclosure.

[0014] First, an overview of one embodiment will be described. Note that the reference numerals in the drawings are added to each element for convenience as an example to facilitate understanding, and the description of this overview is not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the blocks shown in each drawing represent functional units, not hardware units. Connection lines between blocks in each drawing include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows are used to schematically indicate the flow of the main signal (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. Note that in this specification and drawings, elements that can be similarly described may be assigned the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation.

[0015] A server device 100 according to one embodiment includes a storage unit 101, a behavioral history control unit 102, and an information provision control unit 103 (see FIG. 1). The storage unit 101 includes a database that stores a media ID of a medium distributed to each of a plurality of users and attribute information for each of the plurality of users in association with each other. The behavioral history control unit 102 receives a usage notification from an authentication terminal, the usage notification including the media ID of the medium user who uses the medium and the usage details of the medium, and identifies the medium user from among the plurality of users using the medium ID (step S1 in FIG. 2). The behavioral history control unit 102 stores behavioral information obtained from the usage details of the medium as the behavioral history of the identified medium user in the database (step S2). The information provision control unit 103 generates information to be provided using the attribute information and behavioral history stored in the database and outputs the generated information to be provided (step S3).

[0016] The server device 100 manages, for example, attribute information obtained from a two-dimensional barcode for a tax-exempt certificate issued to foreign visitors to Japan who have completed immigration procedures, in association with the ID of the transportation IC card. When a foreign visitor uses a transportation IC card, the server device 100 stores the behavioral history obtained from the use of the transportation IC card in a database in association with the attribute information. In response to requests from companies and the like, the server device 100 provides information on the behavior of users (foreign visitors to Japan; inbound passengers) using the attribute information and behavioral history stored in the database. As a result, companies and the like can more accurately understand the behavior of users.

[0017] Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0018] First Embodiment The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0019] [System Configuration] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the information processing system includes various facilities such as a management center, an airport, and a station.

[0020] The management center will provide management and information services to foreigners, especially foreign visitors to Japan. The management center will be managed and operated by a voluntary organization. For example, the management center may be managed and operated by a private business operator, the government, or an organization or institution commissioned by the government.

[0021] The management center includes a server device 10. The server device 10 is a server that realizes the main functions of the management center. The server device 10 may be installed in the building of the management center, or may be installed on a network (on the cloud).

[0022] Staff terminals 20 are installed in the airport. For example, staff at the management center operate the staff terminals 20. Details of the functions of the staff terminals 20 will be described later.

[0023] An authentication terminal 30-1 is installed at station A1 included in the system, and an authentication terminal 30-2 is installed at station A2. In the following explanation, unless there is a particular reason to distinguish between the authentication terminals 30-1 and 30-2, they will simply be referred to as "authentication terminal 30." The authentication terminal 30 installed at the station is a ticket gate that controls passengers' entry and exit through the ticket gate.

[0024] The devices (server device 10, staff terminal 20, etc.) shown in FIG. 3 are connected by wired or wireless communication means and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0025] The configuration of the information processing system shown in Fig. 3 is an example and is not intended to limit the configuration. For example, the system may include multiple server devices 10. Furthermore, although Fig. 3 illustrates two stations, it goes without saying that this is not intended to limit the number of stations included in the information processing system.

[0026] [Overall Operation] Next, an overall operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0027] <Immigration procedures for foreign visitors to Japan> Online services are available to reduce the burden of immigration procedures for foreign visitors to Japan. Specifically, a service called "Visit Japan Web" is available at designated arrival airports. By using the Visit Japan Web service, foreign visitors to Japan can submit information regarding quarantine, immigration inspection, and customs application online upon entry.

[0028] Furthermore, as described in Reference 1 below, foreign visitors to Japan who use the Visit Japan Web service are provided with a two-dimensional barcode for providing the information necessary for tax exemption applications (customs declarations). In the following explanation, the two-dimensional barcode for providing the information necessary for tax exemption applications will be referred to as a "two-dimensional barcode for tax exemption certificate." Note that the two-dimensional barcode issued to foreign visitors to Japan is not limited to tax exemption applications. The two-dimensional barcode can be used for a variety of purposes.

[0029] [Reference 1] <URL: https: / / www.digital.go.jp / policies / visit_japan_web / >

[0030] The two-dimensional barcode for tax exemption certificate contains information such as the foreign visitor's ID, first name, last name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, residence status, and date of landing. In the following description, the information obtained from the two-dimensional barcode for tax exemption certificate will be referred to as "foreign visitor attribute information" or simply "attribute information." Note that the information obtained from the two-dimensional barcode for tax exemption certificate is merely an example, and other information may also be obtained from the two-dimensional barcode. For example, the gender of the foreign visitor may be obtained from the two-dimensional barcode for tax exemption certificate.

[0031] <Distribution of Transportation IC Cards> As part of efforts to increase the number of inbound tourists, the management center grants benefits to foreign visitors to Japan who enter the country using the Visit Japan Web service. Specifically, the management center distributes to foreign visitors a medium containing cash and other items that can be used in the city. The medium distributed to foreign visitors to Japan is, for example, a transportation IC (Integrated Circuit) card. Note that the transportation IC card distributed to foreign visitors to Japan does not need to contain cash.

[0032] In order to receive this benefit (a transportation IC card that can be used to spend a specified amount of cash), foreign visitors to Japan must complete immigration procedures and show the control center that they are eligible for tax exemption.

[0033] 3, a foreign visitor to Japan presents a two-dimensional barcode for tax exemption certificate, which can be obtained by completing immigration procedures on Visit Japan Web, to a staff member at the management center, etc. For example, the foreign visitor to Japan operates a terminal 40 that he or she possesses to display the two-dimensional barcode for tax exemption certificate on the terminal 40, and presents it to a staff member at the management center, etc.

[0034] Alternatively, a foreign visitor to Japan who has completed immigration procedures may operate his / her own terminal 40 (smartphone) to read the two-dimensional barcode on the landing permit affixed to his / her passport. The read two-dimensional barcode may then be sent to a management center, and the management center may then send the two-dimensional barcode for the tax exemption certificate to terminal 40. The foreign visitor to Japan may operate terminal 40 to display the two-dimensional barcode for the tax exemption certificate and present it to a staff member or the like at the management center.

[0035] The staff member at the management center uses a barcode reader (not shown) connected to the staff terminal 20 to input the presented two-dimensional barcode for the tax exemption certificate into the staff terminal 20 .

[0036] The staff terminal 20 acquires attribute information of foreign visitors to Japan from the two-dimensional barcode for tax exemption certificate displayed on the terminal 40 or the two-dimensional barcode for tax exemption certificate affixed to the passport. The staff terminal 20 also acquires a card ID from a transportation IC card prepared for distribution to foreign visitors to Japan.

[0037] For example, a staff member at the management center reads the two-dimensional barcode for the tax exemption certificate from the terminal 40 of the foreign visitor to Japan, and then inserts or touches the new transportation IC card into a card reader / writer (not shown). The staff member terminal 20 controls the card reader / writer and reads the card ID of the transportation IC card.

[0038] The card ID is an ID that can uniquely identify a transportation IC card distributed to foreign visitors to Japan, and is written in advance on the transportation IC card.

[0039] When the staff terminal 20 acquires the foreign visitor attribute information and the card ID, it transmits a card distribution notice including this information to the server device 10 (see FIG. 4).

[0040] Upon receiving the card distribution notification, the server device 10 adds a new entry to the behavior history management database and writes the card ID and foreign visitor attribute information to the added entry. The behavior history management database will be described in detail later.

[0041] <Understanding the behavior of foreign visitors to Japan> Foreign visitors to Japan use the transportation IC card they have acquired (a transportation IC card loaded with a specified amount of cash). For example, foreign visitors to Japan use the transportation IC card to board transportation and travel to their destination. Specifically, foreign visitors to Japan travel to tourist spots and commercial facilities using transportation such as trains. Foreign visitors to Japan who have acquired a transportation IC card use the card to travel around tourist spots, etc. using transportation such as trains.

[0042] Foreign visitors to Japan enter and exit ticket gates by passing through an authentication terminal 30 installed at a station. At that time, the foreign visitors touch their transportation IC card to (or bring it close to) the card reader of the authentication terminal 30.

[0043] The authentication terminal 30 performs the entry process (e.g., process related to recording the entry station, etc.) and exit process (process related to fare settlement) for a foreign visitor who presents a transportation IC card, just like a normal user. In this case, the authentication terminal 30 reads the card ID from the presented transportation IC card.

[0044] The authentication terminal 30 transmits a card usage notification including the read card ID and usage details to the server device 10 (see FIG. 5). The usage details are information indicating how the user used the transportation IC card. For example, the usage notification includes the name of the station used by the foreign visitor (the station where the authentication terminal 30 is installed) and the usage type indicating whether the foreign visitor entered or exited through the ticket gate.

[0045] Upon receiving the card usage notification, the server device 10 stores the behavioral history of the foreign visitor using the transportation IC card in the behavioral history management database at the authentication terminal 30. The server device 10 identifies the foreign visitor using the transportation IC card using the card ID included in the card usage notification. The server device 10 writes behavioral information obtained based on the usage details as behavioral history in the entry of the identified foreign visitor.

[0046] For example, when a foreign visitor enters the ticket gate through authentication terminal 30-1 installed at station A1, "enter station A1" is stored in the behavior history management database as the behavior history of the foreign visitor. Alternatively, when a foreign visitor exits the ticket gate through authentication terminal 30-2 installed at station A2, "exit from station A2" is stored in the behavior history management database as the behavior history of the foreign visitor.

[0047] By the operation of the server device 10 as described above, the behavior history management database stores attribute information (e.g., gender, age, nationality) and behavior history for each foreign visitor to Japan who has been issued a transportation IC card.

[0048] <Information Provision> The server device 10 provides information on the behavior of foreign visitors to Japan in response to requests from external companies such as a management center or an airport company. The server device 10 generates information to be provided using attribute information and behavior history stored in the behavior history management database, and outputs the generated information to be provided.

[0049] For example, the server device 10 generates behavioral histories for each attribute of foreign visitors to Japan and provides them to the external companies, etc. For example, the server device 10 generates behavioral histories for each gender, age (generation), and nationality of foreign visitors to Japan stored in the behavioral history management database and provides them to the external companies, etc. The external companies, etc. use the acquired behavioral histories to study the preferences, etc. of foreign visitors to Japan and use them in their own business.

[0050] Alternatively, the server device 10 generates information on the flow lines of foreign visitors to Japan for each attribute as provided information, and provides the provided information to external companies, etc.

[0051] Next, details of each device included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0052] [Server Device] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the processing configuration (processing module) of the server device 10 according to the first embodiment. Referring to Fig. 6, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 201, a card dealing control unit 202, a behavior history control unit 203, an information provision control unit 204, and a storage unit 205.

[0053] The communication control unit 201 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 201 receives data (packets) from the staff terminal 20. The communication control unit 201 also transmits data to the staff terminal 20. The communication control unit 201 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 201 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 201. The communication control unit 201 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0054] The card distribution control unit 202 is a means for controlling card distribution. The card distribution control unit 202 receives a card distribution notification from a predetermined terminal (e.g., the staff terminal 20) that includes attribute information obtained from the two-dimensional barcode for the tax exemption certificate and the medium ID (card ID) of the distributed medium (transportation IC card). The card distribution control unit 202 associates the card ID (card ID of the transportation IC card) and the attribute information (attribute information obtained from the two-dimensional barcode for the tax exemption certificate) included in the received card distribution notification and stores them in the behavior history management database.

[0055] Specifically, when a card distribution notification is received from the staff terminal 20, the card distribution control unit 202 adds a new entry to the behavior history management database and writes the card ID and foreign visitor attribute information to the added entry (see Figure 7).

[0056] 7 is an example and is not intended to limit the items to be stored, etc. For example, the date and time when an entry was added (the date and time when a transportation IC card was distributed) may be registered in the behavior history management database.

[0057] The behavior history control unit 203 is a means for controlling the behavior history of foreign visitors to Japan. The behavior history control unit 203 receives a card usage notification including the card ID of a medium user who uses a transportation IC card and the usage details of the transportation IC card at the authentication terminal 30. The behavior history control unit 203 identifies the medium user from among multiple users stored in the behavior history management database using the medium user's card ID. The behavior history control unit 203 stores the behavior information obtained from the usage details of the transportation IC card in the behavior history management database as the behavior history of the identified medium user.

[0058] Specifically, the behavior history control unit 203 processes the card usage notification received from the authentication terminal 30. Upon receiving the card usage notification, the behavior history control unit 203 searches the behavior history management database using the card ID included in the notification as a key, and identifies the corresponding entry (foreign visitor to Japan).

[0059] The behavior history control unit 203 also generates behavior information of the identified foreign visitor from the usage details included in the card usage notification, and stores the generated behavior information in the behavior history field of the entry identified by the card ID (see FIG. 7 ).

[0060] The information provision control unit 204 is a means for providing information on the behavior of foreign visitors to Japan based on a request from the management center or an external company, etc. The information provision control unit 204 generates information to be provided using the foreign visitor attribute information and behavior history stored in the behavior history management database, and outputs the generated information to be provided.

[0061] Specifically, the information provision control unit 204 accepts operations from staff members of the management center using a GUI or the like. The information provision control unit 204 acquires specifications, etc., related to the information to be provided from the staff members, etc., and generates information to be provided that conforms to the acquired specifications, etc. The information provision control unit 204 provides the generated information to external companies, etc.

[0062] For example, the information provision control unit 204 transmits the generated information to be provided to a terminal (not shown) of an external company. Alternatively, the information provision control unit 204 stores the generated information to be provided in an external storage device such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory. The USB memory is sent to the external company or the like. Alternatively, the information provision control unit 204 may output the generated information to a display, a printer, or the like so that it can be viewed by staff or the like at the management center.

[0063] For example, when the information provision control unit 204 receives a specification of "behavioral history of Americans in their 30s," it extracts entries that match the specified attributes from among the entries stored in the behavior history management database and generates information to be provided. In this way, the information provision control unit 204 may extract behavioral history related to attributes specified by an external company or the like from the behavior history management database and provide the extracted behavioral history to the external company or the like.

[0064] Alternatively, the information provision control unit 204 may accept a designation of a time period (period) for the entries to be extracted in addition to the attributes. For example, the information provision control unit 204 may accept a designation such as "behavioral history of Americans in their 30s who visited Japan in 2021," and extract and provide entries that match the designation.

[0065] The information provision control unit 204 may use the behavioral history stored in the behavioral history management database to generate information that makes it easy to understand the behavior of foreign visitors to Japan who have certain attributes, and provide this information to external companies, etc.

[0066] For example, the information provision control unit 204 may generate the number of users for each attribute of foreign visitors to Japan at each station as the information to be provided. For example, the information provision control unit 204 may generate the number of users per day at each station (the number of users for each attribute of foreign visitors to Japan) as the information to be provided (see FIG. 8 ).

[0067] By referring to the provided information as shown in Fig. 8, external companies and the like can understand that the number of users at Station A2 is greater than the number of users at other stations. Note that Fig. 8 illustrates the number of American users by age group, but it goes without saying that the number of users of other nationalities (e.g., Chinese, British, etc.) may also be generated as provided information.

[0068] Alternatively, the information provision control unit 204 may generate the number of uses for each time period, each week, each month (each season), each weekday, or each holiday as the information to be provided.

[0069] Alternatively, the information provision control unit 204 may generate information on the flow lines of users for each attribute as provided information. Specifically, the information provision control unit 204 may treat the boarding station and disembarking station of foreign visitors to Japan as one flow line and generate information including the number of users for each attribute. In this case, the information provision control unit 204 may generate information such as that shown in FIG. 9 and provide it to an external party. By referring to the provided information such as that shown in FIG. 9, an external company or the like can understand that many users board at station A1 and disembark at station A2.

[0070] Alternatively, the information provision control unit 204 may clearly indicate the flow lines on a map or a railway route map, and generate information indicating details about each flow line (for example, the number of users by attribute) (see Fig. 10). A terminal of an external company or the like may display a screen as shown in Fig. 10, and when a user (an employee of the external company or the like) touches a flow line, the corresponding information to be provided (the number of users by attribute) may be displayed.

[0071] The storage unit 205 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the server device 10. The storage unit 205 includes a behavior history management database that stores the card IDs of the media distributed to each of the multiple users in association with the attribute information of each of the multiple users.

[0072] [Staff Terminal] A detailed description of the processing configuration (processing module) of the staff terminal 20 will be omitted. The staff terminal 20 acquires foreign visitor attribute information from the two-dimensional barcode presented by the user and acquires the card ID of the transportation IC card distributed to the foreign visitor. The staff terminal 20 simply transmits a card distribution notification to the server device 10, including the acquired foreign visitor attribute information and card ID.

[0073] [Authentication Terminal] Detailed description of the processing configuration (processing module) of the authentication terminal 30 will be omitted. The authentication terminal 30 acquires the card ID of the transportation IC card presented by the user. The authentication terminal 30 then transmits a card usage notification including the acquired card ID and usage details to the server device 10.

[0074] [Terminal] Detailed description of the processing configuration (processing module) of the terminal 40 will be omitted. Examples of the terminal 40 include mobile terminal devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, game consoles, and tablets, as well as computers (personal computers, laptop computers). The terminal 40 can be any equipment or device that can accept user operations and communicate with the server device 10, etc.

[0075] [System Operation] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment.

[0076] The staff terminal 20 acquires a two-dimensional barcode for a tax exemption certificate (foreign visitor attribute information) from the foreign visitor. The staff terminal 20 also acquires the card ID of a transportation IC card to be distributed to the foreign visitor. The staff terminal 20 transmits a card distribution notice including the card ID and the foreign visitor attribute information to the server device 10 (step S01).

[0077] Upon receiving the card distribution notification, the server device 10 adds a new entry to the behavior history management database, and stores the card ID, foreign visitor attribute information, etc. in the added entry (step S02).

[0078] When a foreign visitor to Japan who has been issued a transportation IC card is detected by authentication terminal 30, authentication terminal 30 acquires the card ID of the transportation IC card presented by the foreign visitor to Japan. Authentication terminal 30 then transmits a card use notification including the acquired card ID to server device 10 (step S03).

[0079] Upon receiving the card usage notification, the server device 10 identifies the foreign visitor using the transportation IC card using the card ID, and stores the behavior history of the foreign visitor in the behavior history management database (step S04).

[0080] Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0081] <Variation 1> Instead of sending a card distribution notice to the server device 10, the staff terminal 20 may write attribute information of the foreign visitor to Japan to the transportation IC card. In this case, the authentication terminal 30 reads the card ID and foreign visitor attribute information from the transportation IC card presented by the user (foreign visitor to Japan). The authentication terminal 30 sends a card use notice including the read card ID and foreign visitor attribute information to the server device 10.

[0082] If the card ID included in the received card usage notification is not registered in the behavior history management database, the server device 10 (behavior history control unit 203) adds a new entry to the database. The server device 10 stores the card ID, foreign visitor attribute information, and behavior history in the added entry.

[0083] If the card ID included in the received card usage notification is registered in the behavior history management database, the server device 10 processes the card usage notification in the same manner as in the first embodiment. That is, the server device 10 generates user behavior information from the usage details included in the card usage notification. The server device 10 stores the generated behavior information in the behavior history management database as a behavior history.

[0084] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a foreign visitor to Japan uses transportation means with cash stored in a transportation IC card. However, a foreign visitor to Japan may also pay for goods or services with the cash stored in the transportation IC card.

[0085] In this case, the authentication terminal 30 notifies the server device 10 of the usage details, including the payment information. The server device 10 (behavior history control unit 203) generates behavior information of the foreign visitor to Japan using the usage details. In this case, the server device 10 stores a behavior history such as "September 20, 2022, 10:10 AM, product B1 purchased" in the behavior history management database.

[0086] In this way, by using a transportation IC card, the server device 10 can store not only behavioral information regarding the movement of foreign visitors to Japan, but also behavioral history regarding the purchase of goods and services (consumption behavior).

[0087] Furthermore, by generating a consumption behavior history, the server device 10 (information provision control unit 204) may provide information such as the hobbies and preferences of foreign visitors to Japan for each attribute. For example, the server device 10 may provide information such as products that American men in their twenties like to purchase and products that teenage Chinese women like to purchase to external companies.

[0088] In this way, the authentication terminal 30 may be a terminal for paying for goods or services. In this case, the usage details of the card usage notification sent by the authentication terminal 30 include information about the goods or services purchased by the media user. The server device 10 stores the user's consumption behavior as a behavior history in the behavior history management database based on the acquired usage details. That is, the server device 10 stores the user's consumption behavior as user attribute information. The server device 10 may generate provided information based on the attribute information (including consumption behavior) stored in the behavior history management database. For example, the server device 10 may generate provided information about places frequently visited by foreign visitors to Japan who prefer to purchase a specific product. For example, the server device 10 may generate provided information about places frequently visited by foreign visitors to Japan who purchase product A, places frequently visited by foreign visitors to Japan who purchase product B, etc.

[0089] <Modification 3> In the above embodiment, the server device 10 acquires data directly from the authentication terminal 30. However, the server device 10 may acquire necessary data from an operator server 50 operated by a railway company or the like (see FIG. 12 ).

[0090] The business operator server 50 manages entry and exit data related to users of the means of transportation. Alternatively, the business operator server 50 manages product sales data and processes payments for products purchased by users. Detailed explanations of the configuration of the business operator server 50 will be omitted here because details of the business operator server 50 are outside the scope of the present disclosure and would be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0091] When the server device 10 acquires data from the business server 50, the authentication terminal 30 reads the card ID from the transportation IC card presented by the user. The authentication terminal 30 transmits the read card ID to the business server 50.

[0092] The business server 50 identifies the user using the acquired card ID, and uses the entrance / exit data and sales data to execute processing according to the installation location of the authentication terminal 30. At that time, the business server 50 generates "usage details" that indicate how the transportation IC card is used.

[0093] The business server 50 transmits the card ID and usage details to the server device 10. That is, the business server 50 transmits a card usage notice including the card ID and usage details to the server device 10. The server device 10 may process the card usage notice as described above.

[0094] Alternatively, the business server 50 may store the card ID and the usage details in association with each other. The business server 50 may transmit the stored card ID and usage details to the server device 10 periodically or at a predetermined timing. That is, the business server 50 may transmit the stored combinations of card IDs and usage details together to the server device 10.

[0095] Alternatively, the combination data of the card ID and usage details stored in the business server 50 may be stored in a USB (Universal Serial Bus) and input to the management center (server device 10).

[0096] In this way, the authentication terminal 10 may simply function as an ID card reader, and the business server 50 may transmit a card usage notification to the server device 10. Furthermore, the card ID and usage content combination data may be input to the server device 10 by any means, online or offline.

[0097] As described above, in the information processing system according to the first embodiment, a transportation IC card is distributed to a foreign visitor to Japan who has obtained a two-dimensional tax-exemption barcode by completing immigration procedures, such as through a predetermined online procedure. The server device 10 stores the card ID of the transportation IC card in association with attribute information obtained from the two-dimensional tax-exemption barcode. Furthermore, when the foreign visitor uses the transportation IC card (or uses cash stored in the card), the server device 10 identifies the card user using the card ID of the transportation IC card. The server device 10 generates behavioral information about the card user based on the usage details (how the transportation IC card is used) reported from the authentication terminal 30 and stores the information in a behavior history management database. Because the behavior history management database stores the card ID, attribute information, and behavior history in association with each other, the server device 10 can provide external companies with detailed information about the attributes (combinations of attributes) of foreign visitors to Japan. By referencing the provided information, external companies can easily understand the locations and events that users (foreign visitors) prefer. Furthermore, external companies can specify in detail the attributes of the information to be provided, making it easy to obtain information that is useful for their own business.

[0098] In this way, the information processing system disclosed herein realizes multipurpose use of two-dimensional barcodes issued to foreign visitors to Japan for tax-free travel. Specifically, a system is developed in cooperation with airport operators to increase inbound tourists. That is, by establishing a location within the airport where transportation IC cards are distributed to foreign visitors to Japan after completing immigration procedures before they move to their destination (by installing staff terminals 20 within the airport), transportation IC cards can be distributed to many foreign visitors without fail. Furthermore, by allowing the use of cash with the transportation IC cards, foreign visitors are given an incentive to use the transportation IC cards. As a result, the behavioral histories of many foreign visitors to Japan can be collected. Furthermore, because the server device 10 manages attribute information of foreign visitors to Japan and attribute information is not recorded on the transportation IC cards, there is no risk of personal information being leaked even if a foreign visitor loses their transportation IC card.

[0099] Furthermore, information about foreign visitors to Japan (inbound passengers) (such as arrival and departure airports) is held by airlines, and airports cannot obtain this information. However, airports have a need to expand into tourism, retail, and other businesses in addition to their primary operations. To meet this need, the information processing system disclosed in this application combines two-dimensional barcodes for tax-free certificates with transportation IC cards, making it possible to obtain detailed behavioral histories for each attribute. For example, it becomes possible to track the movement patterns of passengers by nationality.

[0100] The information processing system disclosed herein provides the government agencies that operate the Visit Japan Web service with the benefit of promoting system usage. The information processing system also provides external companies, including airport operators, with the benefit of providing opportunities for policy consideration by understanding the behavior (traffic patterns) of foreign visitors to Japan (inbound passengers). Furthermore, the information processing system provides users (foreign visitors to Japan) with the benefit of improved convenience and mobility by acquiring a transportation IC card that can be used for transportation.

[0101] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the information processing system will be described. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10.

[0102] The server device 10 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration shown in Fig. 13. For example, the server device 10 includes a processor 311, a memory 312, an input / output interface 313, and a communication interface 314. The components such as the processor 311 are connected by an internal bus or the like, and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0103] However, the configuration shown in Fig. 13 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the server device 10. The server device 10 may include hardware not shown, and may not include the input / output interface 313 as necessary. Furthermore, the number of processors 311 and the like included in the server device 10 is not intended to be limited to the example shown in Fig. 13, and for example, the server device 10 may include multiple processors 311.

[0104] The processor 311 is a programmable device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). Alternatively, the processor 311 may be a device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 311 executes various programs including an operating system (OS).

[0105] The memory 312 is a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory 312 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data.

[0106] The input / output interface 313 is an interface for a display device and an input device (not shown). The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display, etc. The input device is, for example, a device that accepts user operations, such as a keyboard or a mouse.

[0107] The communication interface 314 is a circuit, module, etc. that communicates with other devices. For example, the communication interface 314 includes a network interface card (NIC).

[0108] The functions of the server device 10 are realized by various processing modules. The processing modules are realized, for example, by the processor 311 executing a program stored in the memory 312. The program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium. That is, the present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. The program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. Furthermore, the processing modules can be realized by semiconductor chips.

[0109] The staff terminal 20, authentication terminal 30, etc. can also be configured using information processing devices similar to the server device 10, and their basic hardware configurations are no different from those of the server device 10, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] The server device 10, which is an information processing device, is equipped with a computer, and functions of the server device 10 can be realized by causing the computer to execute a program. The server device 10 also executes a control method for the server device 10 by the program.

[0111] [Modification] The configuration, operation, etc. of the information processing system described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the configuration, etc. of the system.

[0112] In the above embodiment, a case where a transportation IC card is distributed to a foreign visitor to Japan has been described, but the transportation IC card may also be distributed to foreigners residing in Japan or Japanese nationals. In this case, the management center may distribute the transportation IC card to individuals who provide information equivalent to the information contained in the two-dimensional barcode for tax exemption certificate (date of birth, nationality, etc.). In other words, the recipients of transportation IC cards are not limited to foreign visitors to Japan (foreign visitors to Japan who present the two-dimensional barcode for tax exemption certificate).

[0113] Furthermore, the media distributed to foreign visitors to Japan is not limited to transportation IC cards. However, considering the convenience for users and the abundance of facilities (ticket gates and Point of Sale (POS) systems that are compatible with transportation IC cards), the use of transportation IC cards is desirable.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the staff terminal 20 reads the card ID from the transportation IC card and notifies the server device 10 of the read card ID. However, the staff terminal 20 may generate a new card ID every time it acquires a two-dimensional barcode for tax exemption certificate, notify the server device 10 of the generated card ID, and write the generated card ID into the transportation IC card to be distributed.

[0115] The management center may collect used transportation IC cards from foreign visitors to Japan. In this case, for example, the staff terminal 20 may read the card ID of the collected transportation IC card and notify the server device 10 of the read card ID. The server device 10 may delete the entry (entry in the behavior history management database) corresponding to the notified card ID. Alternatively, the server device 10 may delete the entry related to the foreign visitors to Japan whose residence status has expired.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the authentication terminal 30 has been described as a ticket gate installed at a station. However, the authentication terminal 30 may also be a fare adjustment machine installed inside a bus. In this case, when a foreign visitor gets on or off the bus, the authentication terminal 30 transmits a card usage notification to the server device 10, the notification including the bus stop location as usage information. The server device 10 may generate behavioral information of the foreign visitor (getting on the bus, getting off the bus) based on the bus stop location. The authentication terminal 30 may generate the bus stop location using a GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the case where the staff terminal 20 transmits the card distribution notification to the server device 10 has been described. However, the card distribution notification may be transmitted from the terminal 40 carried by the user (foreign visitor to Japan). For example, the terminal 40 may read the card ID from the distributed transportation IC card and notify the server device 10 of the read card ID and attribute information obtained from the two-dimensional barcode for the tax exemption certificate.

[0118] The user's terminal 40 may display not only the two-dimensional barcode for the tax exemption certificate but also a facial photo (a facial image taken when registering with Visit Japan Web) or a facial image taken when the ticket was uploaded. Furthermore, if the user's terminal 40 has access to information about the airline ticket purchased by the user, the user's airline status (first class, business class, etc.) and travel frequency (entry history, airline usage history) may also be provided to the staff terminal 20 as attribute information. That is, the server device 10 may store information about the user's airline usage as user attribute information in the behavior history management database. The server device 10 may generate information to be provided using this attribute information. For example, the server device 10 may generate information to be provided about popular destinations for each airline status. For example, the server device 10 may generate information to be provided about places frequently visited by foreigners who visit Japan in first class. Alternatively, the server device 10 may generate information to be provided about places frequently visited by foreigners who visit Japan frequently.

[0119] Regarding the collection of user behavioral histories, the server device 10 may collect the behavioral histories using facial images registered in the system. For example, instead of or in addition to identifying users by the card ID of their transportation IC cards, the server device 10 may identify users who make payments at terminals that do not support transportation IC card payments by facial recognition. The server device 10 may acquire a facial image of the user from a terminal that does not support transportation IC cards, identify the user by authentication using the acquired facial image, and store the behavioral history in the behavioral history management database.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the case where the behavior history management database is configured inside the server device 10 has been described, but the database may also be configured on an external database server or the like. That is, some of the functions of the server device 10 may be implemented on another server. More specifically, the above-described "card distribution control unit (card distribution control means)," "behavior history control unit (behavior history control means)," etc. may be implemented on any of the devices included in the system.

[0121] The form of data transmission between the devices (server device 10, staff terminal 20) is not particularly limited, but the data transmitted between these devices may be encrypted. Personal information and the like is transmitted between these devices, and in order to properly protect this information, it is desirable to transmit and receive encrypted data.

[0122] In the flow charts (flowcharts, sequence diagrams) used in the above explanation, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the order of execution of the steps executed in the embodiments is not limited to the order described. In the embodiments, the order of the steps shown in the drawings can be changed to the extent that the content is not affected, such as by executing each process in parallel.

[0123] The above-described embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and it is not intended that all of the above-described configurations are required. Furthermore, when multiple embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with another configuration.

[0124] The above explanation makes clear the industrial applicability of the present invention, and the present invention can be suitably applied to information processing systems that grasp the behavior of foreign visitors to Japan.

[0125] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. [Supplementary Note 1] A server device comprising: a storage means including a database that stores a medium ID of a medium distributed to each of a plurality of users and attribute information for each of the plurality of users in association with each other; a behavior history control means that receives, at an authentication terminal, a usage notification including the medium ID of a medium user who uses the medium and usage details of the medium, identifies the medium user from among the plurality of users using the medium ID of the medium user, and stores behavior information obtained from the usage details of the medium as a behavior history of the identified medium user in the database; and an information provision control means that generates provided information using the attribute information and behavior history stored in the database and outputs the generated provided information. [Supplementary Note 2] The server device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the authentication terminal is a ticket gate installed in a station, and the usage notification includes the name of the station used by the medium user and a usage mode indicating whether the medium user entered or exited through the ticket gate. [Supplementary Note 3] The server device according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the information provision control means generates information on the flow lines of users for each attribute as the provided information. [Supplementary Note 4] The server device according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the medium is distributed to foreign visitors to Japan who have obtained a two-dimensional barcode by completing a predetermined online immigration procedure. [Supplementary Note 5] The server device according to Supplementary Note 4, further comprising a distribution control means that, upon receiving from a predetermined terminal a distribution notice including the attribute information obtained from the two-dimensional barcode and a medium ID of the distributed medium, stores the medium ID and the attribute information included in the received distribution notice in the database. [Supplementary Note 6] The server device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the authentication terminal is a terminal for settling payments for goods or services, and the usage notice includes information on the goods or services purchased by the medium user. [Supplementary Note 7] The server device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 6, wherein the medium is a transportation IC (Integrated Circuit) card.[Supplementary Note 8] A system comprising: an authentication terminal; and a server device, wherein the server device comprises: a storage means having a database that stores a media ID of a medium distributed to each of a plurality of users and attribute information of each of the plurality of users in association with each other; a behavior history control means that receives a usage notification at the authentication terminal, the usage notification including the media ID of a medium user who uses the medium and the content of use of the medium, identifies the medium user from among the plurality of users using the medium user's media ID, and stores behavior information obtained from the content of use of the medium in the database as a behavior history of the identified medium user; and an information provision control means that generates provision information using the attribute information and behavior history stored in the database, and outputs the generated provision information. [Supplementary Note 9] A control method for a server device, comprising: in a server device, storing in a database in association with the media ID of a medium distributed to each of a plurality of users and attribute information of each of the plurality of users; receiving at an authentication terminal a usage notification including the media ID of a medium user who uses the medium and the content of use of the medium; identifying the medium user from among the plurality of users using the media user's media ID; and storing behavioral information obtained from the content of use of the medium as the behavioral history of the identified medium user in the database; generating provided information using the attribute information and behavioral history stored in the database; and outputting the generated provided information. [Supplementary Note 10] A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer mounted on a server device to execute the following processes: a process of storing in a database the media ID of media distributed to each of a plurality of users in association with attribute information of each of the plurality of users; a process of receiving at an authentication terminal a usage notification including the media ID of a media user who uses the media and the usage details of the media, identifying the media user from among the plurality of users using the media user's media ID, and storing behavioral information obtained from the usage details of the media as the behavioral history of the identified media user in the database; and a process of generating provided information using the attribute information and behavioral history stored in the database, and outputting the generated provided information.

[0126] The disclosures of the above-cited prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative and that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and alterations that may be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical concepts thereof.

[0127] 10 Server device 20 Staff terminal 30 Authentication terminal 30-1 Authentication terminal 30-2 Authentication terminal 40 Terminal 50 Business server 100 Server device 101 Storage means 102 Action history control means 103 Information provision control means 201 Communication control unit 202 Card distribution control unit 203 Action history control unit 204 Information provision control unit 205 Storage unit 311 Processor 312 Memory 313 Input / output interface 314 Communication interface

Claims

1. Storage means including a database that stores, in association with each other, the media ID of media distributed to each of a plurality of users and the attribute information of each of the plurality of users; Action history control means that receives, at an authentication terminal, a usage notification including the media ID of a media user who uses the media and the usage content of the media, identifies the media user from among the plurality of users using the media ID of the media user, and stores, in the database, action information obtained from the usage content of the media as the action history of the identified media user; Information provision control means that generates provision information using the attribute information and action history stored in the database and outputs the generated provision information; A server device comprising the above.

2. The authentication terminal is a ticket gate installed at a station, The server device according to claim 1, wherein the usage notification includes the name of the station used by the media user and a usage form indicating whether the media user entered or exited the ticket gate.

3. The server device according to claim 2, wherein the information provision control means generates, as the provision information, information regarding the flow line for each user attribute.

4. The server device according to claim 3, wherein the media is distributed to foreign visitors to Japan who obtained a two-dimensional barcode by performing an immigration procedure through a predetermined online procedure.

5. The server device according to claim 4, further comprising distribution control means that, when receiving, from a predetermined terminal, a distribution notification including the attribute information obtained from the two-dimensional barcode and the media ID of the distributed media, stores the media ID and the attribute information included in the received distribution notification in the database.

6. The authentication terminal is a terminal for settling the price of a product or service, The server device according to claim 1, wherein the usage notification includes information regarding the product or service purchased by the media user.

7. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the media is a transportation system IC (Integrated Circuit) card.

8. An authentication terminal, A server device, Including, The server device includes Storage means including a database that stores, in association with each other, the media ID of media distributed to each of a plurality of users and the attribute information of each of the plurality of users; Receiving a usage notification including the media ID of the media user who uses the media in the authentication terminal and the usage content of the media, identifying the media user from among the plurality of users using the media ID of the media user, and storing, in the database, the behavior information obtained from the usage content of the media as the behavior history of the identified media user, a behavior history control means; Generating provision information using the attribute information and behavior history stored in the database and outputting the generated provision information, an information provision control means; A system comprising the above.

9. In a server device, Storing in a database by associating the media ID of the media distributed to each of the plurality of users with the attribute information of each of the plurality of users; Receiving a usage notification including the media ID of the media user who uses the media in the authentication terminal and the usage content of the media, identifying the media user from among the plurality of users using the media ID of the media user, and storing, in the database, the behavior information obtained from the usage content of the media as the behavior history of the identified media user; A control method for a server device that generates provision information using the attribute information and behavior history stored in the database and outputs the generated provision information.

10. On a computer installed in a server device, A process of storing in a database by associating the media ID of the media distributed to each of the plurality of users with the attribute information of each of the plurality of users; A process of receiving a usage notification including the media ID of the media user who uses the media in the authentication terminal and the usage content of the media, identifying the media user from among the plurality of users using the media ID of the media user, and storing, in the database, the behavior information obtained from the usage content of the media as the behavior history of the identified media user; A process of generating provision information using the attribute information and behavior history stored in the database and outputting the generated provision information; A program for causing the above to be executed.